| 摘要 |
<p>A generally cylindrical tube (20) for the transport of flowable materials comprises a strip (22) arranged in a plurality of wraps about an axis, at least a portion of the tube (20) having a spring modulus biasing the tube (20) into an axiallly extended position. Each wrap is canted so that successive wraps have overlapping opposite edge portions (24). The tube (20) is at least partially compressible in an axial direction from its axially extended position while maintaining a generally cylindrical shape. The tube (20) is manufactured in a thermal forming jig (30) where a generally flat strip of material (22) is wrapped by a free form process into a tube (20) having a plurality of overlapping wraps. The jig includes a guide for receiving the strip (22) from a path and an open longitudinal slot (96) arranged at an angle to the path for guiding the strip (22) to wrap the strip (22) so that successive strips (22) have overlapping opposite edge portions (24). A package system comprises a container (70, 88, 94) for flowable materials containing a self extending tube (20), for example a drinking straw. The tube (20) is at least partially axially compressed and placed within the container (70, 88, 94) so that a free end of the tube (20) bears against the closure (80, 90, 98). Upon removal of the closure (80, 90, 98) from the container (70, 88, 94), the tube (20) extends to its axially extended position through the outlet (82, 92, 102).</p> |
